Conveying the information on the eve of the International Day of Disabled Persons -- December 3, Action on Disability and Development (ADD) President Mosharraf Hossain said, "This time we are stronger than ever and determined to do our duties properly."

"October 1, 2001 was not like the other bad days. Rather, I could take it as an Eid day," said a beaming Umme Kulsum Ranjana.

The woman with mobility impairment was sharing her experience as an election observer in 2001.

But prior to taking part in the responsible job, the physically challenged people had to face hurdles.

Following formation of a committee at Baroipara union in Kushtia in 1995, the disabled people started thinking of participating at the democratic process.

If democracy means government of the people, by the people and for the people, democratic Bangladesh must pay heed to the demands of the disabled people, said Umme Kulsum.

The thought was their guiding force and the disabled people decided to articulate their needs. To get legal support to forge a movement, five persons with mobility impairment took the trouble to undertake a seven-day journey to Dhaka on wheel chairs. They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office and to the then speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad. British High Commissioner David Carter gave them a reception.

Subsequently 'Bangladesh Persons with Disability Welfare Act-2001' was passed in the Jatiya Sangsad.

In 2001 elections they decided to carry out election observation activities. After proper scrutiny, 365 observers were chosen for the work in 13 districts, but questions rose about their ability to perform the task.

"We had to strive…you know, but at last we got the permission. I had Basonti Rani, Joychand Karmakar, Ujjala Banik and a number of Dhaka University MA degree holders," said ADD Programme Development Officer Tamjeeda Jannati.

"During the elections, response from the administration was unprecedented, and we achieved the satisfaction through our efficiency," Tamjeeda added.

Later in 2003, 80 physically challenged people participated in the union parishad elections and 16 won.

This time the workshops with physically challenged election observers focus on election-related violence and accountability of the nomination seekers, Sabina Parveen, civil rights promoter of the ADD, said explaining the programmes for observers of the election.

The participants take training on how to deal with the incidence of violence during elections. Besides, they are going to organise programmes where the nomination seekers have to place their pledges.

Their election observation activities started with Dhaka-2 constituency.

"The people with disability lead a neglected life with deep grievances. Participating at the most significant event of the nation is like having the heaven in hands for them," ADD President Mosharraf Hossain said.